Chapter 63 – Uncomfortable Cohabitation (1)

The World Tree of Resentment.

A being that seeks to kill me.
Undoubtedly, there was a justifiable reason behind the World Tree’s actions.
After all, it was none other than me who had violated the tree that had been peacefully standing. According to the common sense of this world, it was indeed an original sin.
Regardless of the injustice, it would seem so when considered objectively.

However, why should I meekly accept this?
If asked to list the injustices I had suffered, there were so many that I couldn’t count them all on my hands.
What kind of treatment had I received since arriving here?
I had been threatened with death on an imaginary day, raped by a tree, almost turned into a communal toilet for everyone in the dungeon, and had my neck nearly severed by a chainsaw.

Was that all?
An unexpected daughter was brought into my life, and a world-class terrorist began to target me, believing me to be a catastrophe.

It would be unjust if they had come to slit my throat from the first day, but I could understand that. However, now? “I’m sorry for raping you.” This issue simply cannot be overlooked.

In the end, there were only victims.
There were nothing but victims in this matter.

– Thud.

On the way to the dormitory, the car’s body jolted over a speed bump.
Time had been inadvertently wasted at the academy, as I was subjected to hearings regarding various circumstances.

The abduction of an academy cadet.
I had heard from Se-Young on the way, and it seemed that the situation had escalated significantly.

Not just any academy, but El Academy.
Not just any cadet, but the kidnapping of a promising cadet.

[Shocking security situation at the academy.]
[The world’s top academy? Time to reconsider now…]

This had already become a topic of discussion not only domestically but also internationally.
Naturally, reporters published articles that tarnished the reputation of the academy and associated hunters.
As a result, various rumors and gossip were spawned.

But isn’t this a serious issue?

I know someone who works at L Academy, and they mentioned that the situation is causing quite a commotion inside. Things were resolved somehow, but it feels a bit off.

-ㅇㅇ (160.55): I think so too
└ㅇㅇ(160.55): Incidents keep happening only at L Academy, as if there’s something going on. My younger sibling attends the academy, and I heard a student resolved this issue as well. What are the instructors and police doing?
└ㅇㅇ (33.2): My older brother also goes to the academy, and he says the atmosphere is somewhat tense.
└ㅇㅇ : Seriously, are there this many people attending the academy?
-Soul: Agreed. The complaints won’t end in just a day or two.
-Soft Sansuyu: What are you talking about?
└ Asymmetric Power: Why are you commenting if you’re not aware of this incident?
└Soft Sansuyu: Sorryㅠㅠ
└Cornus: Where do you live?

Numerous discussions have taken place, but one undeniable fact is that the academy’s reputation has plummeted significantly. When I asked Se-Young why she had let things escalate to this point, she explained that she had been operating unofficially for my safety. Consequently, I found myself having to meet with politicians and high-ranking academy officials in order to quell public opinion.

“Hey.”
“Yes?”
“Why do you look so serious?”

Se-Young speaks in an exaggerated, playful tone. I let out a bitter laugh. Regardless of the situation, there was no denying that it gave me a lot to think about.

“It’s going to be tough to get on the same page again for a while.”
“Heh, well, you should have been more restrained.”
“Was I the one who went too far? It was them.”

– *Squeak*.

The engine emits a brief sound, and the car comes to a stop.

“But don’t worry, it won’t happen again.”

Se-Young smiles awkwardly, glances behind me, and then pats me on the back.

“I’m not sure when we became so close… but explain it properly later, okay? Regardless, it seems reliable.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Oh, I didn’t mention it? Starting today, you’ll be living with Heaven.”

Upon hearing those words, my face hardened. My body became as unresponsive as a block of wood.
Sweat began to drip profusely.

My only private space was being invaded.
And with my master, no less?

“…Could you reconsider?”
“Why?”

Heaven sharply responded to my words.

“Since my disciple, who’s constantly causing trouble, takes any opportunity to exacerbate matters, I plan to set aside my work for a while and focus on their development.”
“That disciple is me…? Can’t I just be more careful from now on?”

Heaven closed her eyes firmly and let out a fake cough.

“From the beginning, living together in the dormitory is prohibited…”
“Si-heon, who do you think I am?”

A woman nearly unrivaled in power throughout the world.

A man possessed such ludicrous abilities that, given a mere minute, he could plunder a respectable number of guilds and still have enough time to bite into a peach.

If she were to make a request, he would undoubtedly oblige. No matter what transpired in the future, Heaven would resolve it, and the academy would reap significant benefits. The announcement would be made accordingly.

– Do-wonhyang Baekdo. Guardian of the Academy.

Gasp. Heaven herself is overseeing the academy’s security? People would surely marvel at the expense involved.

Heaven would relentlessly train me, according to her whims. It was clear as day that public opinion would be quashed, and each of us would reap our own rewards.

“Master.”
“You don’t have the right to refuse, punk.”

Lee Se-Young’s resolute words, conveying an unwavering determination not to back down. I licked my lips, unable to let go.

…Wait a moment. Isn’t this a stroke of luck?

Living with my master. It might not be such a bad idea.

“Well, there’s nothing I can do.”

“Why are you laughing all of a sudden?”

“Hehe, just this once.”

“Madman.”

Thwack.

I received a flick on the forehead.

“Still, I’m glad you feel a bit better. Your expression was rather fierce until now. Get out of the car. Send me a message this evening.”

With a sudden jolt,

I opened the car door and stole a glance at Se-Young. As always, she offered a tender, acorn-like smile, radiating cuteness. I made a conscious effort to overlook the faint dark circles visible beneath her makeup.

“Thank you.”

“Kid, I’m the one who’s grateful. You saved my life.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I mean I’d die without you.”

Ah…

Seeing her face, she must be serious.

“Please stay alive.”

“Hehe, go on.”

Heaven followed me out of the car. I stretched in front of the dormitory. Perhaps it was due to the numerous events that had transpired, but I felt fatigue deep within my bones.

“Ahem.”

He coughed and addressed Cheondo, who was standing behind him.

“So, Master. Are you truly going to live with me?”
“Yes.”
“…Very well. Do as you please. Just everything.”
“That’s the plan.”

He opened the main gate and entered the dormitory. Luckily, aside from a few staff members, the cadets were nowhere to be seen. The moment he encountered any cadets, he knew he would be bombarded with questions.

For now… his daughter came first. Climbing the stairs, he stood in front of his room, opened the door, and looked back.

“She’s inside. I have somewhere to stop by.”
“If it’s not a big deal, I’ll accompany you.”
“It could become a big deal depending on the situation, so just go inside quietly.”

Cheondo, who hoisted the Gonryongpo that hung down to his waist over his shoulder, approached and looked into the room. The floor was covered in dirt, and a half-empty plastic bottle rolled across it.

“It’s filthy.”
“Yes. I believe my daughter is responsible.”
“Daughter? …Ah, you mean the flower pot.”

“Yes, I’ve become human this time. I’m not sure if Master will like it.”

Leaving Heaven in the room for a moment, I made my way toward Azalea’s chamber. My footsteps felt heavy, lacking their usual briskness. A nagging emotion pierced my chest—perhaps it was guilt for leaving Shiba behind once again.

I found myself standing in front of Azalea’s door, now accustomed to its ornate decorations.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

A bright knocking sound resonated through the air. Inside the room, hurried footsteps echoed in response.

*Beep! Beep beep!*
“Just a moment, please!”
*Beep!*

Shiba.

As the familiar sound reached my ears, my anxiety-ridden heart began to race. I longed to open the door immediately and see Shiba.

*Click.*
“I’m back—”

The moment the lock disengaged, I flung the door open wide.

“…!”

Azalea, with her eyes wide open, grabbed the door handle and stepped out. In her arms, Shiba spread her arms wide.

“Peep…!”

Wham!

Azalea held Shiba tightly in her embrace. As if running forward, they naturally entered through the front door, which then closed slowly.

“Pa! Pa!”

Shiba kept rubbing her face against my cheek. I could feel the warmth of the tears streaming down her face and onto my daughter’s cheeks.

“Piieeeeng!”

With her tiny fists, no bigger than a mouse’s, Shiba patted my shoulder while letting out a cry, seemingly blaming me. I wondered if becoming human had made her more sensitive, or if she had always felt this lonely.

Feeling a sense of undeserved guilt, I hugged Shiba even tighter.

“Um, um, over there.”

Azalea stammered while tapping my back. Her face flushed a deep shade of red.

“Well… I appreciate the hug, but…”

“Piieee!”

I couldn’t see Azalea because I was only looking at Shiba. The inevitable physical contact that occurred while hugging Shiba and Azalea together caused me to feel a subtle sensation on my chest. Quietly, I embraced Shiba and took a step back.

The atmosphere instantly became awkward.

“Beep, beep, beep!”

Only Shiba, still unable to break free from the afterglow of the women’s reunion, cried out with a tearful voice.

* * * * *

Before my eyes appeared the most beautiful girl in the province. Her divine physique seemed to have been crafted with delicate, meticulous care. Above all, her bright, sparkling eyes captivated me. Even considering the traces of tears, her appearance was so alluring that it made me want to softly bite her.

Heaven was taken aback.

She couldn’t help but be flustered.

“How cute!” exclaimed Zodiac.

“What’s so cute about that?” questioned White Peach, stammering as she scolded Zodiac, whose voice was filled with excitement.

On rare occasions, when Hwangdo and Baekdo had fallen asleep, Cheondo would watch Pretty Cure, finding the spectacle quite astonishing.

“This is my daughter. Shiba, say hello.”
“Pip?”

-Kyaaak! Baekdo, she said ‘pip’!
-Be quiet.

Cheondo tried to maintain composure and cleared his throat. The fist he had brought close to his mouth trembled.

“Hello.”
“Beep?”

Shiba, following Siheon’s hand, bowed to Cheondo’s navel. The corners of Cheondo’s mouth twitched.

“Is this your daughter?”
“Yes. She’s pretty, right? Her name is Shiba.”
“Shiba? What does it mean?”

Siheon’s face stiffened for a moment at Cheondo’s curious question.

Why had he named her Shiba?

The seed,
had sprouted.

When shortened roughly, it sounded like a curse word, so he refined it and named her Shiba. Thinking about it that way, it seemed somewhat cruel that his daughter’s name was Shiba.

“Pip?”

But Shiba already identifies herself as Shiba.
There’s no choice. Si-heon looked at Cheondo with a resolute face.

“The name of the god of destruction revered by a certain tribe is Shiba.”

The god of destruction. Cheondo furrowed her brow.

“Is that an appropriate name for your daughter?”
“Isn’t it impressive? God of Destruction.”

– Hey, what’s so impressive about that? Right, Baekdo?
– ……
– …… Baekdo?

Cheondo snickered at the origin of the seemingly mischievous name. It did seem fitting for Si-heon, after all.

Cheondo reached out to Shiba.

“Please take care of me.”

A first-time acquaintance. Children tend to like those with attractive appearances.
Cheondo offered a gentle smile and applied pressure on her fingertips to stroke Shiba’s head.

“Beep!”

– Slap.

But our eternal father-figure Shiba was different.
Rubbing her reddened eyes, Shiba glared at Cheondo with a fierce gaze.

Cheondo stared blankly at the tingling palm.

“Paah!”

Shiba clutched her father’s knee and yelled at Cheondo.
It was a warning from the tree to keep their distance.